How to Solve the Oil Leakage from the Valve Cover of BMW 5 Series?
2 Answers
For oil seepage from the valve cover of a BMW 5 Series, it is necessary to check whether the valve cover gasket has aged or been damaged. If such a situation occurs, it should be replaced promptly. Causes of oil leakage from the valve cover: The valve cover gasket has aged and become brittle, losing its sealing ability and causing oil leakage. This situation is relatively manageable; simply opening the valve cover and replacing the sealing gasket can resolve it. If the PCV valve of the crankcase ventilation system is blocked, it can lead to excessive internal pressure, eventually causing oil to seep out under pressure. If this issue is not identified, it may lead to more severe consequences, such as oil leakage from the crankshaft oil seal. Steps to replace the valve cover gasket: Remove the air conditioning intake cover on the left side of the engine; remove the ignition coils and fuel rail, and disconnect the wiring harness; unscrew the valve cover bolts diagonally from both sides to the center, use a flat-head screwdriver to pry the valve cover loose, and remove the valve cover gasket. After replacement, clean the valve cover with a cleaning agent, clean the contact surface between the valve cover and the cylinder head, install the new valve cover gasket, apply sealant, and tighten the bolts diagonally from the center to both sides.
I've been driving for almost 20 years and have owned several BMW 5 Series. The valve cover oil leak issue is extremely common—it's basically caused by aging gaskets. After prolonged engine operation, high temperatures can deform or embrittle the rubber seals, allowing oil to seep through the gaps. For repairs, first check if the sealing ring is damaged—just replace it with a new one. But BMW 5 Series parts are expensive, so don't delay. Excessive oil leakage can lead to engine overheating or even damage, which would cost much more to fix later. I recommend going directly to a 4S dealership—they have genuine parts and specialized tools, and the job can usually be done in about an hour, costing around a thousand yuan. During regular maintenance, periodically check for oil stains to prevent such issues—your car will last longer that way.